A resource for anyone who is just starting out on the journey to the dance floor, or for those that already know their way around.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Rumba - Hand to Hand

The Hand to Hand is a step that steps backwards onto your outside foot - opening both you and your partner to one of the walls to your sides - and maintains contact through your inside arm.

To get into this step, you will need to change your hold from the standard latin hold. At the end of your basic movement (or whatever step you are doing before this one) men, slide your Right arm out from behind the lady and along her arm until you hold her hand in kissing hand hold. As a clear indication, open your Left hand to create a flat palm which you can use to give a tiny push to your partner to make her move the right direction.

Leaders'/Men's FootworkInstead of stepping forward on your Left foot on the Count of 2, as you did in the Basic Movement, you re now going to step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left.On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner. (Your Left foot will 'track' underneath you - lightly move over the floor after a step onto the other foot to collect under your body ready to take the next step.)Step to the side on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.

Reverse by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be holding your partner's Right hand in your Left at waist height.)Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3.On Counts 4-1, step to the side onto your Right foot.Followers'/Lady's FootworkStart by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be facing the wall that was to your Right when you started the movement.)Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3 - tracking your foot underneath you.On Counts 4-1, step to the side onto your Right foot.Step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left - on Count 2.On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner.Step to the side on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- make sure you are holding the inside hand and stepping back with your outside foot when doing this step. Don't forget that counts 4-1 need to be filled with weight transfer and are not just 'dead' counts!

- Put Your Heels DOWN!!! Especially when stepping backwards, make sure you completely transfer the weight onto that foot and simply leave the other foot extended out in front of you ready to take the weight back when you move forward. Putting your heels down will also facilitate your latin hip movement.

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About Me

Trained in Dance from the age of 4, I have always had some sort of foot on the dance floor. Recently, this has taken form in Ballroom and Latin dances as well as Lindy Hop and Argentine Tango.
I believe that ANYONE can dance. No excuses, no hiding behind meaningless reasons. If you want to - you can. It is because of that that I want to help anyone that is looking to develop this skill. Hence this blog!
To find out more about other interests of mine, feel free to look at my other websites: www.kimsheardphotography.com and www.kimsheard.com. And please, never hesitate to get in touch... or follow me on TWITTER! @kimsheard